Josh Bilicki – a frequent competitor across all of NASCAR’s National Series – will step out of his comfort zone in January, announcing Wednesday that he’ll make his debut in the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl.
The 27-year-old, who was announced to be joining Live Fast Motorsports for a partial schedule in the NASCAR Cup Series for 2023, will pilot the No. 7C entry for Ramco Speed Group, a dirt midget team fielding four entries in the Chili Bowl out of Texas.
Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts will serve as the primary sponsor of Bilicki’s effort, while both Rich Mar Florist and The BOSS, long-time sponsors of the Wisconsin native, will serve as associate partners for the effort.
“I’ve had the itch to race the Chili Bowl for many years, but this is the first year all of the pieces of the puzzle fell into place,” says Bilicki. “As someone who grew up racing on road courses and making the transition to NASCAR and paved ovals, this is something completely out of my element and comfort zone. I believe some of the best drivers come from this form of racing and I’m excited to learn all I can from this experience.”
In 2021, Bilicki made his debut on dirt, when the NASCAR Cup Series competed in the inaugural Food City Dirt Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. By attempting the Chili Bowl, Bilicki is set to transition from one of the largest dirt tracks to one of the smallest.
Also featured on-board Bilicki’s No. 7C will be the Tony Elliott Foundation. Through Tony’s business, he was able to give back to the sport he was passionate about by sponsoring drivers and events. His wife, Cindy, has continued this tradition via the foundation.
“The Chili Bowl Midget Nationals meant a great deal to Tony Elliott and was a big part of his racing dream,” says Cindy Elliott, president of Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts. “Elliott’s Custom Trailers and the Tony Elliott Foundation is proud to continue our partnership with Josh Bilicki Racing on dirt, racing for the Golden Driller. The same dream Tony had and we know he will be looking down smiling.”
The 37th Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals will take from Sunday, January 8th to Saturday, January 14th at the Tulsa Expo Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The event – considered the largest of the year in Dirt Midget Racing – will be broadcasted live on FloRacing.
